Working towards Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Care in the Refugee Resettlement Process: Qualitative Inquiry with Refugee-Serving Professionals in the United States.

Laura E T Swan,Hyojin Im

doi:10.3390/bs11110155

Abstract

Trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches have gained popularity in various contexts of human services over the past decades. However, relatively little has been explored about how it is applicable and built into services for refugee populations in resettlement programs. This study explores the current status of the application of TIC in refugee-serving agencies and identifies perceived and experienced challenges and opportunities for culturally responsive TIC in the United States. As designed as part of the evaluation of state-wide refugee health promotion programs, this study conducted individual interviews with 78 refugee service providers from five resettlement sites. Despite the burgeoning interest and attempt to embrace TIC, our findings show that there is clear inconsistency and inexperience in TIC adaptation in resettlement programs. This study highlights that TIC that is culturally responsive and relevant to refugee trauma and acculturation experiences is a vital way to address the chasms between refugee-specific programs and mainstream services including mental health care systems. This study also discusses community resources and opportunities to bridge the deep divide and substantial gaps between mental health services and refugee resettlement services and to address comprehensive needs around mental health and wellness in the refugee community.

Highlights

Trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive approaches have gained popularity in various contexts of human services over the past decades [1,2]
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [10] as follows: A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization (p. 9)
This study aims to explore the current status of the application of Trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches in refugee-serving agencies and identify perceived and experienced challenges and opportunities for TIC in the context of refugee resettlement in the U.S

Summary

Introduction

Trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive approaches have gained popularity in various contexts of human services over the past decades [1,2]. TIC is considered as: (1) an organizational or care system’s culture and policy-backed structure; and (2) interventions and direct practice approaches [11] that encompass several common elements or principles. As per SAMHSA [10], six key principles of TIC should be in place to ensure a care system or organization is sensitive and responsive to the trauma-related issues of their clients and staff.

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion